Does anyone have a sound bar?

Whizzer

Whizzer

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Just wondering if anyone has a sound bar in combination with their television.
The sound coming from the tiny speakers in our television are at the rear of the set and sound bounces off the wall before getting to the viewer. Sometimes it is balanced and other times everything sounds mushy and inconsistent in quality. I guess some of it might be the program but wondered if a sound bar might help. I have been looking at them but wonder if they are worth the money. Seems the ones I've looked at cost in the area of $300.00 but before I spend that kind of $$$ on something, would like to hear from others who might have a sound bar and what their experience has been.
 
My LCD TV is considerably older and the speakers are in the front but a lot of the newer TVs have the speakers in the rear. Chaps my ass.
 
I had checked out a Zvox sound bar and it sounded better than the speakers I'm currently using on my second TV but it isn't $500 better. I'm using a pair of powered Bose speakers with a digital to analog adapter on my second TV but I have to adjust the volume manually (the speakers sound decent). In general sound bars are marginally better than the TV speakers, I think they are over priced for what they are.

I've been looking into upgrading the sound on my second TV (just to be able to adjust the volume with the remote) but it is looking like it will cost as much as the TV to improve the sound with a new speaker system. I really only want a 3.1 amplifier (front left/right speakers, center speaker, and sub woofer) but no one makes that - I don't need a tuner or rear speakers. My current plan involves a used 5.1 AV Receiver, an old center speaker, and I just ordered speaker kit to build a small bookshelf speaker set and I'll see how that sounds to determine if I want buy or build a sub woofer.

I haven't checked out two speaker systems that have good reviews from my research; Onkyo has a 2.1 system and Pioneer has a set of inexpensive 5.1 speakers where you can buy just the speakers you want (both available at Best Buy). I have a 7.1 system on my main TV so I'm spoiled with better than average sound.
 
Have two inexpensive ones, they work good.
 
Zerkfitting said:
I had checked out a Zvox sound bar and it sounded better than the speakers I'm currently using on my second TV but it isn't $500 better. I'm using a pair of powered Bose speakers with a digital to analog adapter on my second TV but I have to adjust the volume manually (the speakers sound decent). In general sound bars are marginally better than the TV speakers, I think they are over priced for what they are.
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I've been looking into upgrading the sound on my second TV (just to be able to adjust the volume with the remote) but it is looking like it will cost as much as the TV to improve the sound with a new speaker system. I really only want a 3.1 amplifier (front left/right speakers, center speaker, and sub woofer) but no one makes that - I don't need a tuner or rear speakers. My current plan involves a used 5.1 AV Receiver, an old center speaker, and I just ordered speaker kit to build a small bookshelf speaker set and I'll see how that sounds to determine if I want buy or build a sub woofer.

I haven't checked out two speaker systems that have good reviews from my research; Onkyo has a 2.1 system and Pioneer has a set of inexpensive 5.1 speakers where you can buy just the speakers you want (both available at Best Buy). I have a 7.1 system on my main TV so I'm spoiled with better than average sound.
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My son has one, I will need to check the brand, it is inexpensive and works well.
He pushes sound through bose computer speakers plus old style turntable stereo speakersas well.
He is a kid and just wants the accessories, and getting me to set uo a crapload of speakers options.

You can push the pc sound through the soundbar or the Bose speakers.
Mouuting could be an issue, the bose sprakers are easier to set up imo.
If my memmory is correct the bose pc speakers were $ 89 or 99 dollars.
 
Zerkfitting said:
... In general sound bars are marginally better than the TV speakers, I think they are over priced for what they are. ...
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This what I was thinking of the sound bars I had listened to. The speakers are so small, they sound no better than the ones in the television and the only saving grace is they do push out the front rather than using the wall as a back board. I'll check out suggestions. Maybe I'm expecting too much from a sound bar. :idunno:



Johali said:
Have two inexpensive ones, they work good.
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What make, model are they?
 
I bought them last fall at Sam's Club when I was outfitting the new RV and I think they were about $65 apiece. It may just be the RV but they add a lot of bass and mid range that the side mounted TV speakers don't have and as you say any sound coming straight at you or around you is going to sound better. I'll look in the RV when I can later today and let you know the brand. If you have the room look into a small inexpensive surround sound system and just use the speakers you need, that's what a granddaughter did at the dorm last year, she just used the bass and a couple of others set under the TV.
 
The sound bar is a Vizio model VS8207, I just listened to it and it was pretty good in the RV but the acoustics are very good in there.
 
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